Danford Abbey- Vol. 1: Fiona (Éireann)

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It had passed several days since Fiona's last encounter with Nathan. She had been thinking of Nathan quite often, she was saddened knowing him in his room alone, without visitors.

Mrs. Abbott was sad that Fiona was no longer visiting them, Nathan had mentioned with her that Fiona would not have came for a while and she thought about inviting her personally.

So one day she went to visit her at Danford abbey and Fiona received her, "How is Nathan?", Fiona asked, "He spends his days in his room", Mrs. Abbott replied, "I don't want it would be a nuisance to you, but I would like you to visit him again", Fiona was in awe and replied: "Mrs. Abbott, it wasn't my decision to stop visiting Nathan, it was his own request", they sat down in the living room, "I must admit I've suspected it", Mrs. Abbott said, "Nathan has a not easy temper, especially after what happened", she continued, "Please, be patience with him. He is fond of you",

"I know. And I am fond of him. But I do not mean to be intrusive with him. I understand his need to be on his own sometimes",

"What if I invite you for lunch?",

"Mrs. Abbott...", Fiona muttered, "I am certain Nathan would be pleased to see you, although he would not admit it", Mrs. Abbott said to her,        "I ask you, Fiona", she could not say no to her, "That is fine. I will", she replied, "Thank you, Fiona", Mrs. Abbott said.

So they agreed to have lunch together the following day.

When Fiona informed her mother about it, she asked her: "Are you sure you want to see Nathan again after the things he said to you?", Fiona replied: "He meant no offense. ...But what you told me that day about Nathan it made me think...", Fiona became serious and she continued: "It is true, mom. I do love Nathan", Amelia Everdene expected it, "I haven't realized it by then", continued Fiona with a nervous voice, 

"Fiona, how do you think a life beside a man in his condition would be?",

"I understand what you mean. And I have no illusion it would be easy. But I cannot turn my back on him because of his condition",

"It is a great burden to be carried on the shoulders",

"It is premature to talk about this now. I still have to make things clear with Nathan", said that Fiona took her leave.

Amelia Everdene was concerned about Fiona, she was not a selfish woman and she was fond of Nathan, but she was worried about the life Fiona would've had.

The following day Fiona went to Abbott hall. That morning Mrs. Abbott had told Nathan that Fiona was going to be their guest for lunch, surprised Nathan had felt himself at the same time happy and in awe about seeing her again.

When Fiona arrived, Nathan is been led downstairs by a servant. Fiona was nervous for meeting him again, "Good morning, Nathan", she said forcing a smile, "Fiona, how are you?", Nathan asked, "I am fine. Your mother insisted for me to join you for lunch", she replied, "I know, she told me", Nathan replied, the servant walked him to the head of the table and he sat down.

Mr. and Mrs. Abbott walked in and Fiona greeted Mr. Abbott, Mrs. Abbott said, "After lunch we might have a coffee in the garden", they sat at the table and Mr. Abbott asked Fiona about her folks. During the supper Nathan spoke very little, he was eating slowly and he was slightly touching the food with his fingertips before piercing it with the fork.

After lunch they went to the garden and sat down at a table. Mr. Abbott took his leave as soon as he drank his coffee, "If you excuse me, I have business to attend to", he said, "Miss Everdene, I am pleased to have seen  you again", Fiona replied: "So am I".

Fiona and Mrs. Abbott talked about this and that, then Mrs. Abbott said to her: "I assume I'll see you in Church tomorrow", she replied: "Of course", Mrs. Abbott addressed to Nathan: "Why don't you come along, Nathan?", he did not answer, keeping the look down, after a while Mrs. Abbott stood up, "If you will excuse me for a moment, I need to give instructions to the maid", she said and she walked away.